So far so good. Last night I checked out the Savoy Soul Club--the premier soul night (a la Northern Soul) in the Capital Region. The other day we caught the movie La La Land-- one of the best films I have seen in some time... bring back the musical! Speaking of music, WEXT will be re-airing my David Bowie tribute this Monday, January 9, at 11 p.m. ET. It's slotted one day after his birthdate and one day before the anniversary of his passing. I remember my dismay at hearing the news a year ago, and I have been thinking a lot about his musical influence ever since. With this My Exit special, I tried to pick songs by the artist that had an immediate and lasting impact on me. I only had an hour, so I had to give it a good deal of thought (hard to narrow down). As I mention on the show, the first I remember being truly aware of him was during the Live Aid concert in 1985, performing with Mick Jagger in that silly "Dancing In The Street" video. That song was catchy enough, but the tune that really caught my ear was a year later-- his theme song for the British film Absolute Beginners, which he also starred in.
At the time I actually wondered if he was a retro artist, since that lead me into the 1950s-styled Let's Dance album. Digger deeper, I found myself captivated by such moody tracks as "China Girl," "Cat People," and "Ashes To Ashes"-- I was beginning to discover the weird, artsy Bowie, and there was no turning back.
My wife's museum, The Albany Institute of History and Art is currently showing a really nice exhibition of rock and roll photography(Bowie included!) by local artist Patrick Harbron. In conjunction with the show, they held an open mic night tonight. We weren't sure what the turn out would be, so I brought my electric guitar just in case. I have been taking guitar lessons for a couple years now, still struggling to find time and motivation to practice, but I decided to give it a shot. Now I have no problem getting up and singing/performing in front of an audience, but playing the guitar and singing adds another level of complexity. Oof... I probably should have sat it out, but I gave Bowie's "Starman" a try. Coincidentally, the line "that weren't no DJ that was hazy cosmic jive" has some relevance with the current news about the discovery of mysterious radio waves from outer space. David, is that you? "Ground control to major Tom..."
More successful for me at Albany Institute was my taking part in a recent album cover design contest (also tied in with the rock photography exhibit). Again I chose Bowie as the subject, and reinterpreted his 1974 album Diamond Dogs. I had the perfect model: our dog Trixie. My illustration took things quite literally-- I sprinkled diamond shapes across the vinyl sized design, and Trix was decked out in full Bowie "Ziggy Stardust"-era glam (even the shoulder pads from the "Ashes To Ashes" video). The assemblage was mixed media, with elements of collage, colored pencil, paint, and glitter, as well as type created on the museum's old printing press. You can view some photos of my creative process in this Facebook album. In addition to David Bowie, the through line for these projects is that they were about me focusing on artistic projects. I wish I could master the fearless creativity that Bowie had--I guess that's a big reason I admired him so. The other attractive part of his legacy is that his work transcended--as if he was the conduit for its creation. Although he is gone, his songs remain... and I think he understood, whatever his obvious fears and demons, that he should get out of the way of being creative. My Diamond Dogs reissue ended up winning the cover design contest! I know... it may seem a little fishy with my wife working at the museum, but this was entirely voted on by the public. I even saw a couple of people admiring the work when it was on display (even taking photos). So "bully for you, chilly for me..." I'll try and keep David Bowie in mind, and keep out of my own artist's way in the new year.
Day off! I spent today doing my own thing... working on some music research, and practicing my own (with help from my new purple velvet guitar strap - R.I.P. Prince).
Sharon Jones & The Dap-Kings giving the people what they want in Cooperstown, NY, May 28, 2016. Photo: Jeremy Clowe
It’s been a rough year for music losses this year. This past month, soul diva Sharon Jones joined the ranks of the dearly departed, finally succumbing to the pancreatic cancer she had bravely battled over the last couple years. Classic soul music has long been one of my favorite musical genres, yet it took me a while to truly appreciate Ms. Jones’ talent. Oh sure, I had admired her backing band The Dap-Kings, after hearing their work with the late Amy Winehouse, and knew the Daptone record label was quality, but at first I wasn’t sure Jones (or her songs) had enough grit for my taste… but, as she sang, “I learned the hard way…”
In 2013 I heard her song “Retreat!” a perfect, urgent slice of retro soul. Suddenly I found myself digging (and digging) a little deeper into their discography. The music was hearfelt... impeccably performed and produced, and preserving a style I have grown to love over the years. Seriously, I love soul music… can't get enough of it. I feel like I was born a little late (well, I was in the single digits when Philly Soul and funk were happening). My admiration for Sharon Jones grew even more when I heard her state in a radio interview that she could be doing any kind of musical genre (and there are plenty more successful at the moment), but her heart was with classic soul.
Photo: Jeremy Clowe
I think it was around the same time they released the brilliant album Give The People What They Want, that we first heard about Jones’ cancer. Talk about heartbreaking. This past weekend I finally watched the 2015 documentary Miss Sharon Jones!, which follows the singer’s musical and personal life from the onset of her illness. It was touching and inspiring to learn how she battled the cancer and found strength to keep performing (with help from her bandmates). The documentary was also revealing in the way it showcased the very real struggle that working musicians face when their livelihood becomes threatened… they loved Sharon and they loved the music, so they found a way.
Photo: Jeremy Clowe
I was so glad we finally had a chance to see Sharon Jones & The Dap-Kings perform this past May. It was one of those shows that just made me happy. Of course I was dancing… of course I was taking loads of photos. The concert took place at the hip Brewery Ommegang in Cooperstown, and I just learned from the documentary that Jones was receiving much of her treatment in the area. Rest in peace, miss lady soul. I cross my fingers that the Dap-Kings find a way to continue... in these “dark times,” we need them more than ever. On a brighter note, I just learned that Albany has it’s own monthly soul music night at the swanky Savoy Taproom. I think we’re talking DJs spinning their own boatload of rare vinyl (a la Northern Soul)…. Wow. Very exciting news. I’m also looking at ways to return to radio... use music as a way to get through the next year and new administration. I’ll keep you posted. Sho’nuff.
"Dearly beloved, we are gathered here today to give to this thing called life..."
On what would have been his 58th birthday-- remembering Prince (1958-2016), one of my all-time favorite musical artists. I just received a CD of his 1987 album, Sign O' The Times- that's where it really started to click for me...right through my college years- I could not get enough.
In 2004, he released the album Musicology, which was a return to form. Around the same time, I started hosting a TV music show, and had a chance to record part of his concert in Boston.
As I set up backstage, I had one of those truly surreal moments... I looked up to see the artist himself, walking straight towards me in all of his purple glory! I didn’t know quite what to do… except say, “Hey, you're Prince!” (well, not quite that obvious, but a greeting nonetheless).
It turns out he was walking over near me to check on the set up for his opening act, legendary saxophonist Maceo Parker (he also played during Prince’s set, and on the Musicology album). I was working, so I tried to remain somewhat professional... so that I didn’t get kicked out. As he started to leave, I patted him on his purple shoulder pads, and wished him a good show. It was.
I read the news today, oh boy... We have lost another great in the world of music. The Beatles became "The Beatles" (and one of my forever favorite groups) because of George Martin. I have had that discussion with several people over the years. Shaping the sound...bringing color to the studio...facilitating the experimentation...it's truly remarkable what the band were able to achieve with help from the producer, and it still holds up. After hearing of his passing this morning, I was in for a treat during my drive to work, as I discovered local WRPI Radio basically playing the Sgt. Pepper's Lonely Hearts Club Band album in its entirety...on vinyl, no less (you could hear the "pops!"). This reminded me of my first discovery of the Beatles at age ten, following the tragic death of John Lennon. Seeing my growing interest in the band, my mother kindly gave me her old vinyl copies of Sgt. Peppers and Abbey Road-- those two albums were really what sealed it for me. Martin, of course, played a huge part in both, bringing classical music elements to the sound, clever sound effects and notation, and adventures in stereo, all while leaving it enough room to breathe... I remember being entranced by that opening of "Come Together"... the creativity of the side two medley... and blown away by the eccentric and dramatic elements present throughout Sgt. Pepper's, building up to the melancholic "Day in the Life"... I would put these albums on in the early evening, and marvel at the musical journey I was experiencing...my first, really...
To you, Sir George, with sincere gratitude... you were the gold standard, and played a big part in igniting my passion for music and becoming a musician. R.I.P.
Better Late Than Never... too true! August 2015. Photo: Gerard Coleman.
We've reached that time... when everyone (including yours truly) starts sharing their "best of" lists. In terms of music, 2015 was an amazing year for me (but not for the typical reasons). No, there wasn't much that stood out on the radio. Pop music, in general, seems to be getting more bland (read: more synthesized and calculated), less exciting. Critics went as far as complaining that there was no obvious "song of the summer." In my book, there is one notable exception: a rollicking rocker, who literally came out of left field...with some serious soul...son of a b****!:
Nathaniel Rateliff and The Night Sweats delivered an album that I never tired of listening to this year. The tunes: catchy, the delivery: passionate, and the performances: "live"... like JD McPherson, who preceded him, there is a purity to this music. No coincidence that I am attracted to yet another musician taking a nod from classic soul and the blues. Damn, this is fine music. An inspiration.
In the running! Photo: Mike O'Brien
At the same time, I can feel my tastes changing...becoming more critical and refined... This new perspective is most likely due to the new musical insights I gained personally over the past year.
I started the year with a song. Encouraged by the response I had been receiving for my karaoke at Bourbon Street Bar & Grill, I decided to enter a singing competition (something I had never done before). Nervous? Nah... all my stage performances over the years prepared me well. Here are some of the generous comments from the judges:
"Best stage presence I've seen in 2 years. Great song choice!"
"Performance was unlike any I have ever seen before! Simply awesome!"
In fact, I received a perfect score for stage presence. They told me this was actually a first for the competition, which had been running for seven years. Needless to say, I made it to the semi-finals, and that is where my work began.
I took the contest quite seriously (a $1000 prize didn't hurt). Having an event to prepare for was quite good for me—made me extremely focused and driven. I was in a state of "total bliss" practicing every day. Still, there was a lot to learn as I worked through a winter cold, vocal warmups and strengthening breath support (professional vocal coach, Eric Arceneaux has some online tutorials that I found extremely helpful).
My practicing also benefitted from my guitar playing, which I have been honing since the summer of 2014. Rehearsing for the competition was made much easier with my electric guitar, which I used to practice scales and singing in different keys and tempo.
Leaving "body and soul" at Bourbon St.
The semi-finals arrived, and I felt really good and prepared. I gave it my all, and appreciated the support from friends and new fans, who turned out for the competition. I also realized just how talented the other singers were! I was, of course, very pleased to make it into the finals...but realized I still had my work cut out for myself.
There were some singers in the competition who really had stellar voices, and it was helpful just to watch them. I think I can hold my own, but know I need more training in the singing department. I still gave it my all, and even planned out a little routine for my performance—in hindsight, I may have started thinking a bit too much.
Although I did not win the competition, it whet my appetite. I actively looked for more opportunities to perform music as the year progressed. In June I found myself in Brooklyn, and my friend took me to a live band karaoke night that he had been to a couple times. Rock Star Karaoke is a tight, seasoned group of musicians that play around the New York City area, and has quite an impressive list of songs in their repertoire. I felt completely at ease with them, and enjoyed the spontaneity of performing with a live band... they even followed me down a "classic soul" rendition of the Muppets' "Rainbow Connection"... I don't know how that came to pass, but totally appreciated the opportunity (and patience of my wife!).
Raving about this experience lead to my next performing opportunity. A friend of a friend was gearing up for a summer performance with his band and, hearing my enthusiasm for playing live, asked me if I might join them as a front man? Now, this was an interesting turn of events... be careful what you wish for!
Burning up... in Burnt Hills
The plan was to join the band, made up of work colleagues, for a staff picnic/concert to be held in the Capital Region that August. They called themselves Better Late Than Never, and you couldn't find a more appropriate name for me.Thus began my experience of joining a "garage/jam band," and starting weekly rehearsals. And these guys were tight: made up of an extremely talented (and young) guitar virtuoso, rhythm guitarist, bassist, and drummer... I could not believe my luck during rehearsals in their well-equipped practice room. I think I surprised them as well, with my stage presence. Although I continue to be complimented for my performing, one of my goals this year has been to learn how to balance my onstage antics with some more focused singing. You can't be jumping around and expect to maintain the breath support you need. As I worked to memorize the surprisingly long setlist(!), I focused again on my warm-ups...singing from the diaphragm.
The day of the show arrived, and I felt like I had really become part of a band (creative squabbles and all!). Our set was a mix of classic/dad rock and more modern numbers...they also let me add a little soul into the mix.
I bounded on to the outdoor stage, launching into a couple of David Bowie numbers, and there was no looking back. The response from the crowd was quite positive, and I even had some kids come up afterwards, telling me how "cool" I was! I further strengthened my vocals and stage presence. Wanting to keep the momentum going, I immediately put an ad on Craigslist, looking for other interested musicians to jam with. Although I had a few promising inquiries, nothing came to pass...unfortunately... and, to this point, Craigslist seems about as useful for finding musicians as it is in selling a used car.
Brothers in arms! Keeping it electric- December 2015
As I entered the fall, work and family matters became my focus. I did, however, continue my weekly electric guitar lessons. As I mentioned, I started taking lessons in August 2014, courtesy of the fine folks at Hilton Music Center. My brother-in-law, Joel actually works there as a repair man, and was kind enough to refurbish and gift an old Fender Stratocaster to me. My teacher, Zac is a very competent, gigging musician, and shares the interest in groove-based music (his main instrument is bass).
For me, getting over the hump of learning music has been a challenge...surprising, since both of my parents are musicians. I grew up playing violin, guitar, piano, and singing, but guess I always felt a little overwhelmed by practicing and memorizing (being a perfectionist doesn't help). So, making the commitment to weekly lessons for this past year and a half has been great for me, and I have graduated from occasional plinker to fairly competent beginner.
I keep having breakthroughs, and my lessons in chords, scales, and single notation have a way of catching up. My teacher has noticed. This fall/winter I have found myself actually enjoying sitting down to practice, and I have a handful of songs that I can perform with some degree of skill. It's great, because it is the perfect accompaniment for my singing. Over the holidays, I could notice my growth in both areas... I have surprised myself.
Looking back on 2015, I'm proud of myself for finally getting serious about a long-time goal. None of the examples I have shared on this blog are perfect, but I'm putting it (and myself) out there. Some guy on Craigslist called me brave for trying to get things going, but that's not that point. Music gives me so much... it, quite literally, takes me to a different place... I've always suspected that. This past year I strengthened that musical muscle, flexed my creativity and sense of adventure, and met some talented, fellow musicians in the process. Here's hoping I can keep that good note going into the next year...
Infinite possibilities: I have fond memories of Hartford and my alma mater, including the creativity that came out of the Hartford Art School... I still love visiting and seeing the students' work. Photo by JC, 2015.
Earlier this week I wrote about my recent interview with WNPR for their program, Where We Live. The Hartford-based NPR station is part of the Connecticut Public Broadcasting Network, located just down from where I used to live. In addition to their quality radio programming, CPBN appears to produce some fine TV shows as well.The one I am most intrigued by is Infinity Hall Live, a nationally-syndicated program, filmed at the historic Infinity Music Hall in Norfolk, Connecticut. Think "Austin City Limits: the East Coast version"... from what I have seen, the show is an entertaining mix of performances and interviews with national music acts. The show seems similar, in concept, to what I have attempted to do with my own Berkshire Soundstageprogram over the years; the added bonus is that it is filmed in an intimate, beautiful setting.
Alt-rock heroine, Tori Amos comes to life from the stage of Infinity Music Hall. Courtesy: Infinity Hall Live.
Infinity Hall Live begins their fourth season this weekend with America, the uh, American rock band. A little before my time, but I recognize the songs: "Ventura Highway," "Sister Golden Hair," "You Can Do Magic"... anyone with access to a radio during the late 70s knows these songs as well as they can recall "A Horse With No Name." Other acts scheduled for season 4 include Toad the Wet Sprocket; Tedeschi Trucks Band; Jackie Greene; and Sadie and the Hotheads, fronted by Downton Abbey's Elizabeth McGovern (my wife will be thrilled!). As they say, check your local listings, or you can catch the premiere on the show's website. A couple months ago I met up with some of the staff at CPBN, to discuss the possibility of future collaborations. To give them an idea of what I can do, I created a short promotional video using footage from their show. It features some clips from Tori Amos and Robert Cray, who will be featured this season, as well as Wilson Phillips (my favorite was Wendy Wilson...swoon). I had good fun putting this together... hopefully they won't mind me sharing:
Always a supporter of live music, I wish IHL luck with their new season. I am also excited about the start of summer, and hopefully the chance to see some more live shows myself (Psychedelic Furs, anyone?). Inside... outside... it's all good.
The last couple weeks have found me focusing on a handful of video editing projects, which has been a nice change of pace. I think my colleague put it best when he recently remarked that, "when it rains it pours, huh?..."
Below are two videos I produced for the development department at work. The first one utilizes some of the footage and music I used for my recent WMHT-TV segment, as well as the aerial footage I shot on the Museum's campus a couple years ago (yes, I can mark that bucket off the list):
The second video was created to promote the fellowship program through our Rockwell Center for American Visual Studies. I think I might try and add some music, and further massage the audio when I can find the time:
Both videos were created using Adobe Premiere Pro CC. The editing program takes a little getting used to (counterintuitive, in some ways, after using Final Cut Pro all these years), but there are some useful tools found within; it certainly complements the rest of the company's Creative Suite.
"The Schenectady Gazette" April 2, 2015. Courtesy of Jeff Wilkin and "The Schenectady Gazette."
I am particularly pleased with how the :30 second promo came together. It is one of a few music-based edits I have worked on recently, and I find myself really hitting my stride when it comes to such projects.
Apart from creating these videos and some photography at the Museum, I have been promoting our current and upcoming programs and exhibitions. We currently have an exhibition on the art of illustrator J.C. Leyendecker (a hero to Norman Rockwell), which features all 323 covers he created for The Saturday Evening Post. It is a remarkably strong display, and a few weeks back I was pleased to be contacted by my local newspaper for an interview about the exhibition (yeah, it never gets old seeing your name in boldface).
Exciting news to share: I made it into the finals of the karaoke competition at Bourbon Street Bar & Grill! Around 22 talented contestants took to the Colonie, NY venue's stage last Wednesday, singing to a full house on a cold, wintery night. With both friends and family there to cheer me on, I won myself a spot as one of the lucky ten finalists chosen to advance to the final round next Wednesday night. I say "lucky" because the competition was quite strong—there are some seriously talented singers in the Capital Region... I have my work cut out for me next week! Nevertheless, I have been doing my fair share of practicing, and my stage presence continues to receive high marks... thanks to everyone for the continued support and well-wishes.
Speaking of music awards, I was reminded that last week marked the 24th anniversary of my favorite band, A-ha setting a Guinness World Record for largest concert attendance during their show at Rio de Janeiro's Maracanã Stadium on January 26, 1991. Over 198,000 people attended the concert, which was presented as part of the Rock in Rio II festival. Here is a link to a video of me interviewing band member Magne Furuholmen about the experience, back in 2005.
Brazil's Rock in Rio festival began in 1985, the same year that A-ha had their worldwide breakthrough with the song "Take On Me" and debut album Hunting High and Low (to say those works made an impact on me is an understatement). Late last year it was announced that this year's Rock in Rio will celebrate the 30th anniversary of both festival and band, by inviting A-ha back for a reunion concert. The Norwegian trio, which officially disbanded at the end of 2010, will play together once again for this special September show in the country where they were a household name, with a string of top charting hits. You can read more about the upcoming concert on the band's website.
As far as I have heard, this reunion concert will be a one-off, but who knows... maybe A-ha will take us on once more?(there is an offshoot Rock in Rio festival taking place in the U.S. this May but... I won't hold my breath.
Happy New Year! 2015 is off to a great... dare I say, rockin' start.
One of my favorite hangouts, Bourbon Street Bar & Grill has been running a singing competition, picking two qualifiers each week to square off during the finals, with $1000 to be awarded the winner. So, last week I entered... and won, landing a perfect score for stage presence in the process. From here I advance to the semi-finals, to be held next Wednesday, February 4— I love a challenge and, of course, the chance to perform... wish me luck!
This is great motivation, since I have really been concentrating on music lately, actively singing and taking electric guitar lessons since last summer. It's taking some time, but slowly and surely I'm adding songs to my repertoire, while practicing general scales and chords, reading music, and so on.
As I type this, I'm listening to Mark Ronson's latest album, Uptown Special—I have long admired the producer's skill at bringing back retro sounds in a soulful new way (i.e. Amy Winehouse), and this album certainly continues on that promise. Refreshing! Here is the first hit single off the album: "Uptown Funk":
I have only started listening to Uptown Special, but I wonder if it will be on my best album list by year's end? Quite possibly.
Black Keys turnin' blue in Philadelphia, September 20, 2014. Photo by Jeremy Clowe. All rights reserved.
2014 certainly had its share of soulful moments. My favorite of the year was the Black Keys' Turn Blue—the album offered a slightly new sound for this veteran blues/rock duo, as it ventured into more introspective territory (for instance, the title track, which I love). Well, I had merely a passing interest in the Keys' music, but I think I finally got it... so much so that we had to head to Philadelphia last September to see them perform live for the first time. They did not disappoint in concert (even covered Edwyn Collins' epic "A Girl Like You"... wow), and I was excited to hear that they will be playing at this year's Mountain Jam in the Catskills—that's a little closer to home, and I'll definitely take them up on it! Keeping guitar rock alive... thank God.
Another great album from last year was Sean Rowe'sMadman. Originally from Troy, New York, Rowe has already made quite a name for himself in the Capital Region.. but one listen to the single "Desiree" made me realize why there is so much national buzz going on about the guy! In addition to smart lyrics and melodies, one of the attractions is the singer's vocice—sort of a cross between Tom Waits and Otis Redding (the latter I was pleased to learn was an influence). Sarah and I had a chance to catch him during a very intimate concert last week at the historic Caffe Lena's in Saratoga. Rowe is now embarking on a European tour, but I hope to see him perform again in the area, sometime later in the new year... local boy done good.
Looking back at year-end music countdowns from our favorite local radio stations (WEQX, WEXT), I was hardly surprised to see that Irish singer, Hozier's "Take Me To Church" made the top spot for both stations in 2014—the heartfelt song was an instant classic, and one I need to try sometime at open mic:
This weekend marks the third annual Berkshire Gateway Jazz Weekend, to be held in my former town of Lee, Massachusetts. This year's festival, which runs from Thursday, June 5 through Saturday, June 7, will include a tribute to the late jazz pianist, Sir George Shearing.
Last March I was hired by Berkshire Gateway Preservation Inc. to travel to New York City, and film an interview with Shearing's widow, Ellie Shearing, in the beautiful apartment the couple shared near the City's Central Park/Museum Mile. The completed video, with Ms. Shearing recalling her famous husband's life and career (in front of his grand, Bösendorfer piano), will kick off this weekend's festival, with a free screening at the Lee Library, starting at 6 p.m. (the video will also be airing on CTSB-TV).
I enjoyed putting this latest music documentary together. It was interesting to learn about Shearing, who triumphed over the odds (and blindness) to become one of the most influential piano players in the world of jazz, with a distinct style that became known as the "Shearing Sound." I had a fascinating behind-the-scenes look at the Shearings' home/ recording studio, and heard stories of the many jazz greats who connected with the pianist over the years. It turned out that he and Ellie used to live part-time in Lee, Massachusetts, so this weekend's events seem especially fitting.
Friday's concert, to be held at the newly restored First Congregational Church in Lee, will feature The Sounds of Shearing, a tribute band to the jazz legend, with members of George Shearing's original Quintet. Proceeds from the concert will help benefit the efforts of the Berkshire Gateway Preservation. For more information about the festival and how to purchase tickets, visit the Berkshire Gateway Jazz Weekend website.
So, you'll be happy to hear that my musical education has continued to grow this past month. During my big video production weekend (see last post), I trekked out to New York City to film an interview with Ellie Shearing, the widow of famed jazz pianist, Sir George Shearing. Conducted near New York's Museum Mile, the gig came about through a good friend/mentor from Massachusetts, who is helping out with the upcoming Berkshire Gateway Jazz Weekend. This year the festival will be highlighting "The Sounds of Shearing," and they thought that a videotaped interview would make for a nice compliment to live performances from original members of George Shearing's classic quintet. I must confess that I was not familiar with George Shearing before being approached to help out with the project. When my friend mentioned his jazz standard, "Lullaby of Birdland," that old number from 42 Street is all that came to mind ("broadway" not birdland). As I discovered, Shearing was, in the words of The New York Times, "a British piano virtuoso who overcame blindness to become a worldwide jazz star."
As I have done with all of my music interviews over the years, I spent a couple weeks of heavy research, learning all I could about the pianist. His autobiography (released several years before his death in 2011) was helpful, as were the various radio tributes and YouTube clips I was able to put my hands on. It turns out that he composed over 300 titles, and recorded multiple best-selling albums from the 1950s to 2000s; he was also knighted for his services to music in 2007.
I don't pretend to be an expert on jazz, so it was fortunate that we had a jazz aficionado along during the interview. A musician in her own right, Ms. Shearing recalled several interesting stories, including tales of such jazz greats as Benny Goodman stopping through their beautiful Manhattan apartment. Also interesting and relevant, George and Ellie had a second home for many years in Lee, Massachusetts (maybe that's why she looked so familiar). I thought the interview went well, and it was a treat to get a little "behind the scenes" in the life of such an important jazz musician-- I couldn't help wondering if my father, an accomplished pianist himself, knew of Shearing's unique style of playing?
A few days later, we received a special guest at Norman Rockwell Museum—Hamish Douglas Burgess is an illustrator in his own right, specializing in traditional Celtic art. Burgess happened to be driving through the area, on route with the Irish/Canadian band, The Irish Rovers. The name sounded familiar yet, like Shearing, it wasn't music I could put a finger on. Burgess seemed quite impressed with our art and hospitality at the Museum, and generously offered me a couple tickets to see the Rovers perform the following evening at the Egg in Albany... it was a couple weeks past St. Patrick's Day, yet my luck seemed to be holding out! The Egg is a beautiful venue—inside and out; it certainly is striking while driving past the Capital City skyline. I have seen a couple great shows there, including Ray Davies of the Kinks, and They Might Be Giants (who debuted a rather memorable song about the venue that evening!). The Rovers' jokes were cornier than Irish beef cabbage, but Sarah and I had a fun time... the band's festive Irish folk song style was a nice way to wind down the evening. I even knew a couple of their old standards: "The Unicorn" and "Drunken Sailor"- I seem to recall singing those ditties back in elementary school (if you can believe it).
Apparently this concert was part of the Irish Rovers' farewell world tour, and they seemed in fine form (including excellent accordion, pipes, and banjo). Burgess, who has been designing their recent album covers and tour merchandise, remarked that they were having some great, sold-out gigs, and I asked whether they might be having second thoughts about their decision to wind down... I've seen it happen with musicians! It must, however, be a challenge to be out on the road so much—the group has actually been around for over 50 years, with a couple original members still part of the band.. that's a lot of roving.
Band logo by Hamish Douglas Burgess. All rights reserved.
